Healthy Foods

7 Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Seeds can be a fantastic source of nutrition and pumpkin seeds are among the best. The pumpkin is a member of the squash family and it's native to North and Central America. Its seeds have been used by Native Americans for centuries to support urinary and digestive health. Just a single serving provides highly nutritious and necessary minerals such as magnesium, zinc, potassium, and iron. As an added bonus, pumpkin seeds are packed with potent antioxidants.

Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Simply put, the excellent nutritional profile of pumpkin seeds has not only made them an integral part of natural health, but it's also garnered the attention of researchers who have looked deeper into the health benefits of pumpkin seeds. What have they found? Read on...

1. Support for BPH

Pumpkin seeds have been recommended by natural and alternative health practitioners to support prostate health and BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia).

The German Council E (Germany’s equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved pumpkin seed for this use in 1985. And a 2009 Korean study isolated pumpkin seed oil to evaluate their effect on BPH. They reported that the pumpkin seeds promoted normal urinary flow and participants reported improved quality of life.[1]

Prostrex® Raw Herbal Extract provides superior nutritional support for the prostate, and contains organic pumpkin seeds as well as saw palmetto and other herbs.

2. Helps Balance Blood Sugar

Pumpkins are a potent source of phenols and antioxidants. Pumpkin promotes balanced blood sugar levels because of their bioactive proteins.[2,3]

3. May Deter Harmful Organisms

The US Pharmacopeia listed pumpkin seeds as a remedy for intestinal, harmful organisms until 1936.[4] Does that mean it really didn't work? Not quite, tests have shown that pumpkin seeds protect against harmful organisms.[5]

4. Nutritional Support for Excess Cell Proliferation

Let's be clear that pumpkin seeds are not a cure for cancer. However, it can't be ignored that pumpkin seeds have positive, nutritional effects for those with breast and prostate cancers.

One study found a significant association between pumpkin seed consumption and promoting breast health.[6] Another study further indicated that the lignans in pumpkin seeds offers breast health support.[7]

It doesn't stop there. With regards to prostate health, a study examined a supplement containing pumpkin seeds and other compounds reported the positive potential for dealing with human prostate cells that have gone awry.[8]

5. Great for the Heart

The powerful phytochemicals and omega-3 fatty acids contained in pumpkin seeds have led researchers to explore its benefits for cardiovascular health.

Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, offer protective effects against ventricular fibrillation, a primary cause of cardiac death.[9]

6. Promotes Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Pumpkin seed oil promotes healthy cholesterol levels. The effects of the pumpkin seed go beyond this one improvement — in addition to healthy cholesterol levels, taking pumpkin seeds also promotes balanced blood pressure.

7. Post-Menopausal Benefits

For women who have reached menopause, pumpkin seeds can influence the severity of hot flashes and also ease head and joint discomfort.[10]

Eating Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are tasty by themselves, and they go great in a trail mix or salad. Pumpkin seed butter is another option that is delicious and lets you enjoy pumpkin seeds in new ways — try spreading it on celery! When shopping for pumpkin seeds, look for an organic, GMO-free option. If purchasing whole pumpkins, choose organic if possible.

Recent Posts

Top 10 Benefits of a Heavy Metal and Toxin Detox

When it comes to wellness, you already know that what you put into your body…

4 months ago

How Selenium Boosts Mood and Mental Health

Unlock the Secrets: How Selenium Boosts Mood and Mental Health Selenium is an essential trace…

5 months ago

Experts Agree That Good Mood Leads to Good Health

A positive mood isn’t just a pleasant state of mind – it’s a crucial component…

5 months ago

Guide to Melatonin-Free Sleep Aids [Updated 2024]

Many people turn to melatonin in the pursuit of a peaceful night's sleep. However, only…

5 months ago

Reduce Anxiety and Experience Mood Regulation

Maintaining a sense of calm and balance often feels challenging. Between professional and personal responsibilities,…

5 months ago

How Wheatgrass Contributes to Nutrition and a Healthy Diet

Wheatgrass has gained considerable attention in recent years for its potential health benefits and nutritional…

6 months ago

This website uses cookies.